The contribution of the coastal small pelagic sector constitutes not only the main stake in food security and nutrition, but also in the livelihood, small-trade, and fight against poverty. Based on the current upward seasonal trends in catches estimated at 177,375.2 tons of small pelagic fish in 2019, this study provides information on landings and the main costs in order to understand the socio-economic sustainability of the Senegalese purse-seine fishery. Survey data were obtained from 147 active and inactive actors in seven fishing ports (Saint-Louis, Mbour, Joal, Hann, Yoff, Thiaroye and Bargny) of Senegal using questionnaires between October and December of 2019. The results revealed that values of the variables landed volume (582.5 tons) of the small pelagic fish, spare pirogue parts (US$10,406.23), and repair of fishing gear (US$4,791.24) are more important in Mbour than other fishing ports. Similarly, values of fuel (US$18,622), duration of outings (830 hours), and food for the crew during fishing trips (US$1,285) are more important in Saint-Louis. The values of the number of purse-seine sea trips (1,024 days) and gears (72) and landing taxes (US$52) are higher in Joal, unlike Yoff, Bargny, Hann and Thiaroye. Thus, the actors are worried about the fishing effort and a drop in the fishing potential of certain key species such as Sardinella maderensis, Sardinella aureta, and Ethmalosa fimbriata, which will have a negative impact on social stability and the supply of animal protein to the population with low purchasing power in Senegal. From these results, a better understanding of the costs and expenses of fishing, trade, and processing of coastal pelagic was obtained. Thus, improving the availability of these fish stocks in the context of overexploitation was recommended.

Keywords: Senegal, coastal small pelagic fish, costs, fishing port